Millions of Americans are facing old age essentially alone. One in three baby boomers is single or no longer part of a couple due to divorce or death. Others may be in a relationship where chronic illness has struck both partners simultaneously. Children may live too far away or lack the resources to offer a parent meaningful help.

But there is no reason why circumstances like these should bar anyone from a quality old age. It just takes planning, which is where this empowering book comes in. Full of helpful checklists and worksheets, Who Will Take Care of Me When I’m Old? is an essential guide to preparing for and navigating the inevitable losses that aging entails – the loss of functioning, the loss of loved ones and friends, and the loss of income.

Joy Loverde, a consultant and speaker on aging issues and the author of The Complete Eldercare Planner, has written a self-help book that offers both emotional and practical advice. The first chapters address overcoming the psychological barriers to planning. After all, the prospect of growing old and needing care is something most people would prefer not to think about, much less plan for. One early section suggests ways to avoid self-sabotaging thoughts. Other section headings include “Lessen the Grip of Guilt” and “Motivate Yourself.”

The book then turns to the planning work at hand. An early chapter deals with how to stay afloat financially. Near the top of the list are getting one’s legal affairs in order, including consulting with an elder law attorney. Loverde suggests ways to create an income stream in retirement and lists scores of job possibilities. She even has recommendations for lowering grocery bills.

Succeeding chapters present ideas and resources for successfully aging in place alone, exploring housing options both in the U.S. and abroad, coping with widowhood, “foraging for a family,” staying connected with those you know and making new friends, and evaluating medical providers. One chapter is devoted to considerations in adopting a pet.

The final chapters deal with strategies for coping when old age becomes seriously challenging. Loverde covers “the game changer” of chronic illness, including how to effectively advocate for yourself or find a professional to advocate for you. A chapter titled “‘Just Shoot Me’ Is Not a Plan” maps strategies for ensuring quality care at the end of life. There is even a list of resources for those considering “suicide tourism.”

Throughout the book, Loverde provides names of helpful organizations, and at the end presents a multi-page goldmine of useful websites (ElderLawAnswers among them). Each chapter ends with one recommended book, YouTube video, movie, song and TED Talk on that chapter’s topic.

This is not the kind of book anyone looks forward to reading, but it is a book that is essential reading for anyone who wants to start laying the groundwork now for the best possible old age.

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